This guide is for teachers and resource managers who are interested in establishing National Environmental Study Areas (NESA) or interested in receiving NESA recognition for their on-going environmental study area programs. It outlines the characteristics and procedures of the program; the nature, philosophy and purpose of environmental education; and techniques and a methodology for environmental studies in NESAs. Program requirements, program materials, and site characteristics of NESAs are reviewed, together with the processes involved in environmental education and in using NESA programs. Environmental strands, developed by the National Park Service as a framework for open-ended, process-oriented environmental education, relate to the techniques and methods advocated in NESA programing. These are universal ideas for viewing the total environment: variety and similarity, patterns, interrelation and interdependence, continuity and change, and evolution and adaptation. The final section deals with establishing a NESA. The progressive steps outlined involve community assistance, creating a steering committee and responsibilities, presenting the program to a community council for environmental education, holding on-site workshops, and program maintenance. Listings of resource personnel, publications, and a NESA application are appended. This booklet is also available in Spanish (SE 014 818) and French (SE 014 819). (BL)