This Sunday is Earth Day. Over the last 42 years, Earth Day has become a little like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. As a society, we spend a day recognizing what is very important to us.

I bet Hallmark is trying to figure out how cards could be mailed to Mother Earth. And restaurants would have a much better day if only Mother Earth would sit down at a table and eat her fair share of locally grown organic foods.

And just as I would encourage you to spend some time with your parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, may I suggest that you spend some quality time with Mother Earth on her special day.

You have many good options. For those of you who enjoy being with large numbers of your fellow humans, you can go to Southside Park (2115 Sixth Street) for the annual Earth Day celebration. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can meditate on the wonders of Mother Earth. At the same time, you will hear cool music, pick up some free stuff at the booths and have a fun, relaxing time.

If large groups of people are not your thing, Mother Earth provides other opportunities to recognize her on this special day. The American River Bike Trail provides an excellent way to be reminded of the beauty of Mother Earth’s rivers. As you ride along, you will see not only the ecosystem along the river, but you might also notice some of the damage your fellow humans are doing to it and the planet.

The beauty of Mother Earth can be visited in numerous hiking trails throughout our region, and, of course, with snowshoes in the Northern Sierra. Mother Earth would love you to drop by and give her the recognition she duly deserves.

For those of you who prefer horror movies to love stories, Mother Earth provides numerous opportunities in Sacramento. You could take a leisurely walk in a treeless, pedestrian-unfriendly suburb. During your lonely walk, the only other moving things will be metallic, energy-guzzling vehicles.

Or you could stroll over to the deserted Sacramento rail yards for a toxic-land horror show. Or how about taking a deep breath around the meeting place of Highway 50, Business 80, Interstate 5 and Highway 99?

Earth Day is a time to consider what we can do for our Mother Earth. She deserves a little consideration. Unlike our parents, there is a chance that Mother Earth will stay with us. She doesn’t need to be a memory. She could stay strong, healthy and forever young throughout our lives. And I hope, our kids’ and grandkids’ lives, too.

Believe me, Mother Earth’s funeral is not a day to look forward to. So spend some time with her this Saturday, and reflect on what we need to do to make sure she stays around for a while.