In the Spotlight | Justin Chase

As the 12th generation of a family that has owned and worked one of the country’s oldest farms in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Justin Chase understands New England life. Since 1683, each generation of his family has passed down an increasing intimacy of the natural world, their Yankee traditions, and what it takes to maintain independence in New England. Before he even learned to ride a bike, Justin’s grandmother taught him the beauty of living simply and taking time to appreciate the smell of the woods, the charm of ferns that grow beside the old barn’s fieldstone foundation, and the merit of wasting time on a late summer day. His Dad taught him to work hard and persevere, and encouraged him to leave the farm and blaze his own way. He now writes about those experiences and “outdoorsing” throughout New England. Those lessons, combined with years spent as farmer, research ecologist, professor, and mountaineering instructor have all helped shape his unique perspective and have provided him insight to New England’s outdoors, the people who make it what it is, and what it has been. Justin left high school to work the farm after his third freshman year and now holds degrees in liberal arts, ecology, and conservation biology, as well as an MBA he hopes never to use traditionally. Currently, Justin lives on Lake Attitash in Amesbury, Massachusetts, with his wife, their two young boys, and their wicked awesome dog, Gauge, where they spend much time together outside, exploring the natural world as a family. Right across the Lower Merrimack River from the family farm, Justin spends his days living simply, loving ferns, blazing his way, and teaching his sons to do the same. If he isn’t roaming New England’s outdoor treasures, or investigating its disappearing lifestyle, he’s probably at home, writing about it at his Aunt’s old wood desk on a computer held together with duct tape that’s propped up by a couple old canning jars. Follow along as he shares his latest adventures on Outdoors by Cracky.       Follow Justin on Facebook.       Read the classic Yankee story about his family’s farm.       Read about his friendship with Tom Ryan.       Tour his favorite “little city” in New England.