For the fourth year, swimmers will cross the East River from Williams Wharf to Hicks Wharf and back, to raise money for the Mathews Land Conservancy.

The L. Wayne Hudgins Memorial Wharf to Wharf Swim, named to honor a long-time conservancy supporter, begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19. The course is about 1400 meters, about one mile, round trip. Swimmers are sought and must bring at least $100 in sponsorships, according to an announcement. Prizes will go the top three fundraisers.

Donations this year will go toward construction of a boathouse at Williams Wharf, which is owned and maintained by the land conservancy, and which is home to the Mathews High School crew and Mobjack Rowing Association.

The swim announcement said the land conservancy was established in 1994 to preserve and protect natural resources for the public. Its purchase and development at Williams Wharf is the major work to date, and the project has included demolition of prior buildings, shoreline stabilization, landscaping, providing a public fishing pier, acquiring historic buildings, and providing a center for the county’s highly successful rowing programs.

The first three Wharf to Wharf swims have raised more than $30,000 for the wharf work.

For more information about the swim or to register, call the Mathews Land Conservancy at 725-9685, visit www.mathewslandconservancy.com, or contact Mimi Ulsaker at 693-5160 or crucoach@3bubbas.com.

The swim is open for spectators as well, with a historic photo display planned at the B. Williams & Co. Store and crab cakes, clam chowder and hot dogs offered for sale.

To view this article in its entirety, subscribe here. Already an online subscriber? Login Here