Thank you to manymutts for sponsoring the cache
Tzouhalem Eco Reserve - An Island Spirit Legacy.
Mount Tzouhalem (zoo-hay-lum) is a fascinating place, with a rich history and stunning views. The mountain is named after one of the fiercest of the Cowichan war chiefs. He was banished due to his frequent murders, and took up residence in a cave on the side of this mountain. This hike will lead you to a large Christian Cross near the summit, originally a wooden cross, placed by local Catholic churches in the 1970's. The trail leads through the forest with several stunning views of the Cowichan Valley.
This cache is NOT inside the Reserve, and all the Island Spirit Legacy Caches are within a 2 steps of the trail, unless otherwise noted. There is no need to bushwack or trample the vegetation.
Mt. Tzouhalem Ecological Reserve
The Mt. Tzouhalem Ecological Reserve was set aside after realizing how fast North Cowichan was expanding, how fast houses were creeping up the mountain, and just how many species were being affected. The Ecological Reserve is home to more than 250 species of trees, wildflowers, grasses, insects, birds and even reptiles. It has a beautiful display of wildflowers that bloom in late April and a beautiful example of a Garry Oak grove.