Mathews Land Conservancy


Our Mission	Our Projects	Support Us

Preserving and Protecting Mathews County’s priceless natural resources is the mission of the Mathews Land Conservancy. We are dedicated to making the area’s waterways and natural lands accessible to the entire community and its visitors, so that all can enjoy the very qualities that make Mathews County a natural resource.

Every MLC initiative is driven by preservation, education, and conservation

Bayside Landing

B. Williams Store

Williams Wharf Landing

Boathouse

The MLC needs YOUR help to accomplish our goals of protecting and preserving Mathews’ natural lands and resources. Your tax deductible contribution will allow us to obtain, manage and protect crucial lands for the benefit of Mathews County residents and visitors.

Click HERE to find out how you can help.

WILLIAMS WHARF LANDING

Established by Samuel Williams as a trading port and warehouse near the time of the Revolutionary War, Williams Wharf became one of the country’s centers of maritime activity in the early 1800s. From 1802 to 1844, more than 10,000 vessels called at the East River port.

	Williams Wharf early 1900's		Marine railway at Williams Wharf

	Steamer Hampton Roads leaving Williams Wharf		Steamer Mobjack docked at Williams Wharf

The Wharf also served as a major port for steamboats running from Baltimore to Norfolk earlier this century.

	Captain Crank and crew unloading barrels at Williams Wharf

	21st century aerial

Williams Wharf is the MLC’s first and largest project thus far. It is a roughly 4-acre public access waterfront facility located on the East River and State Route 614. In 1994, a grant of $702,000 toward Phase I projected costs of $900,000 was provided by the Virginia Dept. of Transportation through Federal ISTEA money. Including the initial purchase, over $1,000,000 has been spent at Williams Wharf to preserve this natural and historic landmark as well as reviving it to offer environmentally friendly waterfront activities for Mathews County citizens and visitors.

	Old oyster-shucking building converted to a Community Building at Williams Wharf		New shoreline walkway at Williams Wharf

The Wharf is the MLC’s official headquarters and also home to the award-winning Mathews High School Crew Team, the Mobjack Rowing Association, and the Mathews YMCA’s Sailing Camp. Each use the facilities at the Wharf annually for training and hosting events. They are not the only ones, however, who take advantage of the beautiful waterfront facilities. Be sure to check out our Events page for upcoming happenings and our Facilities page for rental information.