Mark Lum

Growing, Eating, Using Native Plants

Mark is an ethnobotanist that bridges the gap between our society and native plant use. His ethnobotanical roots originally started while growing up in Hawaii and learning the connection humans have with living in the environment. His time serving in the U.S. Coast Guard brought him to California and, after leaving the service, he remained here in the Sacramento area. He then took on the task of working with multiple organizations to connect with the knowledge of plants and their uses in California. These organizations include the California Native Plant Society, Maidu Museum & Historic Site, and Effie Yeaw Nature Center. With respect to the traditions of the indigenous people, he has embarked on spreading the concepts and knowledge required to use, eat and grow native plants in a synergistic relationship with the surrounding environment.