Near Mountainair in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Power from the sun

Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025

1. Power from the sun Marker

Inscription. At Gran Quivira abundant sunshine and sparse rainfall provide excellent growing conditions for nutritious grasses and shrubs. Pueblo Indians once gathered plants and hunted game which foraged on these sources of stored solar energy. The National Park Service is continuing this tradition of converting sunlight into energy for human, use.

The photovoltaic panels below convert solar energy into electricity to power the visitor center ahead. You can learn more about sustainable design there.

Little bluestem • Blue gramma • Pronghorn antelope • Indian ricegrass

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 34° 15.551′ N, 106° 5.606′ W. Marker is near Mountainair, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is on Wsmr S Rte 41 south of New Mexico Route 55. The marker is located on the grounds of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument - Gran Quivíra Ruins. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Claunch NM 87011, United States of America.

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Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico and in the Rio Grande Valley.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pricklypear (here, next to this marker); Walkingstick cholla (a few steps from this marker); Gran Quivira (a few steps from this marker); Four-wing saltbush (a few steps from this marker); One-seed juniper (within shouting distance of this marker); Soaptree yucca (within shouting distance of this marker); Las Misiones de los Pueblos de Salinas (within shouting distance of this marker); Exploring Las Humanas / Explorando Las Humanas (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mountainair.

The view of the marker and solar panels along the trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025

2. The view of the marker and solar panels along the trail

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.