Mathews Land Conservancy

2022 Swim

Eleven swimmers completed the 16th annual L. Wayne Hudgins Memorial Wharf to Wharf Swim on Sunday, September 18th, at Williams Wharf Landing. Raising over $22,000 to date, this year’s event was the most successful Swim event yet for the Mathews Land Conservancy’s Williams Wharf project and facilities.

Starting at Williams Wharf, the swim course was a 1 mile out and back along the East River. Coming in first place was Patrick McGarrity, 45, with a time of 30:45. Second and third place respectively were Sierra Higinbotham, 28, with a time of 35:38 and David Randolph, 61, with a time of 36:41. Boo Schwartz, Craig DeRemer and Bob Griffith provided timing for the event. Winners received handmade shell medals from the Poddery in Mobjack.

Other finishers were Donald Allen (39:50), Sarah Dunston (43:09, Will Buklad (54:43), Missy Johnson (55:18), Liz O’Neil (55:19), Richard Goldstein (55:53), Thane Harpole (56:23), and Tim Hudgins (58:35).

Top fundraisers for the event were Tim Hudgins and Liz O’Neil. All participants received donated prizes from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, Short Lane Ice Cream, Heartfelt Touch Massage, Southwind Pizza and Chick Fil-A of Gloucester.

The conditions were ideal with no jellyfish and air/water temperatures in the mid 70’s. Swimmers and spectators alike enjoyed delicious food by Backwoods BBQ and great music from Jonathan Brown of Tappahannock.

Members, friends and family of the board of the Mathews Land Conservancy, owners of the wharf, including Tim Hudgins, Rick Machen, Boo Schwartz, Bernadette LaCasse, Craig DeRemer, Jay White, Lynda Smith Greve, Bob Griffith and Carolyn Smith, handled registration, course set up, safety launches and parking for the fundraising event, as well as perimeter patrol on the water.

Special thanks goes out to the volunteer kayak patrol for keeping the swimmers safe, including Mary Jane Wikswo, Lynn Miller, Kim Berry, Timmy & Alexis Deagle, Bill Johnson, Teresa Sanger and Beth Brown.

The Swim is a tribute to the late L. Wayne Hudgins who was a Mathews native, Wharf enthusiast and long-time member of the MLC’s board. Wayne’s son, Tim, now serves as the board’s president.

Williams Wharf and Bayside Landing have continued to be open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily throughout the pandemic. If you wish to support these facilities, please make your tax-deductible gift to the Mathews Land Conservancy, Box 306, Mathews VA 23109, or online at www.mathewslandconservancy.org.

Next year’s event will take place on September 17, 2023.

One dozen swimmers completed the 15th annual L. Wayne Hudgins Memorial Wharf to Wharf Swim on Sunday, September 19th, at Williams Wharf Landing, an event that raised over $3,000 for the Mathews Land Conservancy’s facilities and projects.

Starting at Williams Wharf, the swim course was a 1 mile out and back along the East River. Coming in first place was Kate Jenkins, 57, with a time of 29:42. Second and third place respectively were John O’Shaughnessy, 62, with a time of 31:30 and John Clair, 46, with a time of 32:21. Christine Johnson of the Mathews Outdoor Club provided timing for the event. Winners received handmade shell medals from the Poddery in Mobjack.

Other finishers were Molly Broderson (38:54), Nancy O’Shaughnessy (40:45), Ron Myers (46:22), Thane Harpole (54:27), Frances Hudgins (55:30), Tim Hudgins (55:30), Terri Hyman (57:20), Will Buklad (58:50) and Kat Sharp (1:10:23).

Top fundraisers for the event were Tim and Frances Hudgins, Thane Harpole and Terri Hyman. Each received donated prizes from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, Short Lane Ice Cream, Heartfelt Touch Massage, Southwind Pizza and Chick Fil-A of Gloucester.

The conditions were ideal with no jellyfish and air/water temperatures in the mid 70’s. Swimmers and spectators alike enjoyed delicious food by Positive Pizza and great music from Jonathan Brown of Tappahannock.

Members and family of the board of the Mathews Land Conservancy, owners of the wharf, including Tim Hudgins, Rick and Danette Machen, Boo Schwartz, Bernadette LaCasse, Craig DeRemer, and Carolyn Smith, handled registration, course set up, safety launches and parking for the fundraising event, while Ted Broderson offered perimeter patrol on the water.

Special thanks goes out to the volunteer kayak/SUP patrol for keeping the swimmers safe, including Mary Jane Wikswo, Lynn Miller, Kim Berry, Tara Tyler, William Berg, Amy Gregg, Timmy & Alexis Deagle, Bill Johnson, Brenda Harris, and Frank, Fletcher and Brittany Rich.

The Swim is a tribute to the late L. Wayne Hudgins who was a Mathews native, Wharf enthusiast and long-time member of the MLC’s board. Wayne’s son, Tim, now serves as the board’s president.

Williams Wharf and Bayside Landing have continued to be open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily throughout the pandemic. If you wish to support these facilities, please make your tax-deductible gift to the Mathews Land Conservancy, Box 306, Mathews VA 23109, or online at www.mathewslandconservancy.org.

Next year’s event will take place on September 18, 2022.

Support the Conservancy

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Mathews Land Conservancy relies solely on private donations, grants and use fees for operations as well as property maintenance and improvements and project construction. No local tax dollars are received from the County of Mathews.

We work hard to be a responsive steward of your donation dollars. As you contemplate your charitable giving, remember there are many ways you can contribute to the Mathews Land Conservancy — and meet your personal philanthropic goals.

Support the Conservancy in the way that’s right for you!

Donate and become a “Friend” of MLC
It’s never been easier to make a one-time, monthly or annual gift to continually support Mathews’ waterfront public access locations for everyone.

Donate online here

If you prefer not to donate online, please send your check to the Mathews Land Conservancy by mail to:
            Mathews Land Conservancy
            PO Box 306
            Mathews, VA 23109

Donate in Tribute/Memoriam
Making a gift in honor or memory of a relative or friend can be a touching gesture. If you have a loved one who is passionate about providing public access to Mathews’ waterfront locations, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor your loved one or celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday, while supporting the work of our mission.

Donate Stock & Securities
Donating stocks and appreciated securities is an excellent tax strategy for charitable giving. You can receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the shares you give to the Mathews Land Conservancy, and usually avoid all or part of any capital gains tax.

Your broker may transfer stocks or securities directly to the Mathews Land Conservancy.

Stock Transfer Information

**Please ask your broker to include your name, address and telephone number when transferring the specific gift to the Mathews Land Conservancy so we may acknowledge your generous gift and send you a letter for your tax records.

The Mathews Land Conservancy's Broker is:
Jay Black
Davenport & Company LLC
141 Technology Park Drive
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
Email: jblack@investdavenport.com
Phone: 804-435-7705

DTC Instructions
Davenport & Company
DTC#: 443
Account Name: Mathews Land Conservancy
Account Number: DA4005660

Donate Land/Personal Property
A donation of land, cars, boats, etc. can have significant tax benefits.

Legacy Giving
Do you want providing access to the waterways of Mathews County to be a part of your legacy? The Mathews Land Conservancy offers you a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy to preserve the waterfront views for future generations through your estate plans.
·         Bequests – Once your family and friends are provided for, we hope you’ll consider leaving a gift to the MLC in your will or trust or by beneficiary designation.
·         Life Insurance – This is an affordable way to leave a gift to the MLC while also enjoying tax savings during your lifetime.

*If you are thinking of a planned gift, you should first consult with your family and lawyer or financial advisor.

Donate to the Mathews Land Conservancy Fund at the Mathews Community Foundation
Protecting special waterfront access locations in perpetuity requires financial resources that will last just as long. Help MLC build a solid foundation for the future with a donation to our fund within the Mathews Community Foundation:

“Owens Foundation Endowment for the Mathews Land Conservancy Fund”
https://tcfrichmond.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?sorg_id=1001&funit_id=1993

How the Fund Works:
Making your donation of any amount to the MLC Endowment Fund within the Mathews Community Foundation is like giving a gift that will keep on giving. Once added to a fund, your money is invested and the MLC receives interest on the investment to use on current projects and operations as required. The principle is reinvested for future years, giving MLC the financial stability to make effective long-term plans for the stewardship of Mathews County’s special waterfront places.

Application for Special Use for Complete Facility

PDF

Download "completeapp2022.pdf"

About Us

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Facilities &
Projects

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Events

Store History

The MLC was awarded a Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grant for $345,000 over a period of two years, which covered ½ of the purchase price set at $690,000.

B. Williams Store is owned, operated and maintained by the Mathews Land Conservancy for the general public. Specifically, the Store will be a secure site for housing and displaying the artifacts and memorabilia associated with the history and activities that have transpired at the Wharf over the centuries.

In March 2009, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources placed the B. Williams and Company Store in the Virginia Landmarks Register and recommended this property for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

B. Williams and Co. Store

The B. Williams and Co. Store, a local landmark since its construction in 1869, is located on the Williams Wharf site, next to what will become the Owens Landing Maritime Education and Rowing Center. It served as a general merchandise store, ships’ chandlery, specialty ladies hat shop and post office during the late nineteenth century and into the twentieth.

Owned by the Williams-Murray family since the last eighteenth century, this site served as a major focal point of much of the activity that took place at this busy port and crossroads for nearly 200 years.

Today, the Store serves as the temporary home of the Mathews High School crew team, with the Mobjack Rowing Association, while the Center is completed. With the framework up, and efforts continuing to raise funds for completion, it is hoped they will be able to move into the new boathouse in the near future. At that point, plans for renovation and historic preservation of the Store will get underway.

The historic site was acquired with the help of a Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grant for $345,000 over a period of two years, which covered ½ of the purchase price set at $690,000. When renovated, the Store will be a secure site for housing and displaying the artifacts and memorabilia associated with the history and activities that have transpired at the Wharf over the centuries.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources placed the B. Williams and Company Store in the Virginia Landmarks Register and has recommended it for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Williams Wharf Landing is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. No trespassing after sundown without permission or unless you are attending an event. During the day, we invite you to visit the Wharf with kayaks, canoes, small sailboats, rowing shells and other motorless watercraft to launch from the floating dock and enjoy the beautiful East River.

Because of restrictions imposed with one of the major grants used to restore the Wharf, we do not allow motor-powered boats to use the Wharf without permission and/or prior arrangements.

We also offer a covered Pavilion for outdoor but sheltered picnics, and a fishing pier (bring your license!). Due to insurance requirements, groups of 16 or more must call 804-725-9685 to reserve facilities for your event.

Facilities Information

Williams Wharf Landing is our primary facility and is open daily year-round to the general public from sunrise to sunset. The facility offers:

Fishing pier
Floating dock for launching of non-motorized watercraft only
Shoreline walkway for strolls and exercise hikes
Open-air pavilion with a viewing tower overlooking the East River

All facilities at Williams Wharf Landing are handicap accessible.

Interested in holding an event at one of our facilities?

Williams Wharf Landing offers several Special Use Opportunities:

The Community Building at WWL – a cypress-sided building with a large main room, conference room, kitchenette, and bathroom.
Meeting Room – A small conference area within the Community Building.
Outside Facility – 3 acres of waterfront open space with access to pier fishing, floating docks, shoreline walkways, and an open-air pavilion and viewing tower
Pavilion – Waterfront open-air pavilion and viewing tower

Bayside Landing offers a waterfront open space overlook of the historic New Point Lighthouse and including the new L. Wayne Hudgins open air pavilion.

Groups of 16 or more wishing to use the facilities for a special event are required to apply for a Special Use Permit. Any commercial activity at the Wharf must also apply for a Special Use Permit.

Special Use Fees

See below for an application and additional rental information:

WWL Community Building $225.00
WWL Outside Facility $300
WWL Pavilion Only $85.00 (3hrs.)
WWL Entire Facility $475.00
Bayside Landing $50.00 (for private event 4 hrs.)

Rules and Restrictions

Trash removal is your responsibility
All state boating and fishing regulations apply
Fishing from designated areas only
No commercial activity or posting of any advertisements, unless by special permission

The following are NOT PERMITTED:

SWIMMING
MOTOR-POWER WATERCRAFT LAUNCHING OR MOORING, unless by special permission
HUNTING OR POSSESSION OF FIREARMS
FIREWORKS
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, unless by special permit
OPEN FIRES
PETS, except on a leash
LOUD MUSIC
VEHICLES PAST THE GATE
PARKING ALONG WILLIAMS WHARF ROAD

These restrictions have been established to operate the facility in a safe and enjoyable environment. Please abide by all rules. Thank you!!

Directions

To visit Williams Wharf Landing (1039 Williams Wharf Road), take Route 14 East past Mathews Court House. Turn right onto Williams Wharf Road (Route 614) and continue to the end.

To visit by water, navigate to Mobjack Bay and enter the East River. The Wharf is upriver on the East side. *Reminder – facilities are for non-motorized watercraft only – mooring or docking of motor-powered boats is not allowed without permission.

To visit Bayside Landing, take Route 14 East past Mathews Court House. At stop sign, turn left staying on Route 14. Travel about ¼ mile, bear right continuing on Route 14 until it dead ends. Bayside is on your left.

Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater

Thirty-five million years ago, near what is now the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, a 2-mile wide meteorite struck the continental shelf of eastern North America and blasted through the water column and thousands of feet of sediment and into the underlying continental crust. The resulting structure, now buried beneath younger sediments, is a 53-mile wide, filled crater, the sixth largest known crater on earth, centered below Cape Charles, VA. The CB crater is a unique feature in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Its location corresponds to an unusually large extent of salty groundwater that significantly affects the use of groundwater resources in southeastern Virginia.

Bayside Landing is a perimeter site of the inner-basin margin of the Chesapeake Bay impact crater. As part of the United States Geological Survey’s investigation of the crater, four drill holes were completed at Bayside Landing during the summer and fall of 1991. Core samples were taken from 170 feet to its greatest depth of 2,390 feet. The first hole drilled remains in use today as a water-level monitoring well by the VA Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Geological Survey.
A program entitled The Chesapeake Meteorite: Message from the Past was done at Bayside Landing in 2002 and was used as an electronic field trip for students all over Virginia. Teachers and school systems can still sign up to show the program at www.pwnet.org.

Its History

Standing there in that peaceful setting looking out over the vast Chesapeake Bay, it’s hard to imagine that, at one time, Bayside was a bustling center of maritime activity.

Bayside Wharf, located in New Point (Mathews, VA), was established by the New Point Development Corporation (WC Handy, JE Davis, and WA Snow) in 1912 as a trading port for goods to/from Norfolk and Baltimore. The Wharf consisted of a ½ mile-long pier jetting out into the Chesapeake Bay, an ice/fish-packing plant run by Lionel Haywood in the mid 1900’s, a small store on the land that sold food, drinks and items watermen would use and even a dance hall where locals would come for entertainment. The Wharf had a narrow-guage railroad track with a cargo carrier that pulled the fresh fish from the boats to the ice plant onshore, where men would pack the fish with ice in crates of 100 lbs., then send the packed fish crates from the land back to the steamships in order to carry them to Baltimore and Norfolk.

Bayside had a tumultuous “life”. It burned twice, once in March of 1931 and again in March of 1933. That same year, like most wharves in the area, Bayside sustained a great deal of damage in the Storm of ’33, when residents saw a 12-foot wall of water overtake Mathews County. Before that time, there was another New Point wharf called Beach Wharf, located very near the New Point Lighthouse, which was attached to land with the lightkeeper’s house just next to it. The Storm of ’33 took the house, wharf and all the land around the lighthouse leaving it on an island.
Unlike Beach Wharf, Bayside was rebuilt and remained in operation until Hurricane Hazel wiped out the ice plant, store, dance hall and ½ mile-long commercial pier in October 1954, the remnants of which are still there today.

Bayside Pavilion

Open daily to the public, sunrise to 11 p.m. (9-11p.m. quiet hours)

See facility information for group/event reservations.

Owned and preserved by the Mathews Land Conservancy, Bayside Landing is a 16’ x 24’ raised pavilion sits on the footprint of the wharf overlooking the historic New Point Lighthouse.