The first section of this manual has been developed to help leaders and youth examine and gradually understand some of the more complex environmental factors. It helps to explain what things are where and why, why a certain project has been suggested, whether it is a practical one for a given place, and what must be known before it can be intelligently carried out. Activities and projects described in the second section deal with soil and land, water, forests, wildlife, minerals, and human resources. Indicated for each exercise is its purpose, suitable site, and procedure to accomplish the stated goal. These ideas are suggested to develop and utilize skills in analyzing and alleviating conservation needs. The appendix presents a conservation directory of federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations to which one may write for materials or information concerning conservation practices and natural resources. (BL)