Yashchera

Yashchera (Russian: Ящера) is a small river in the Leningrad Oblast, Russia, a left tributary of the Oredezh River. It is located primarily in the Gatchinsky District.

The Yashchera's length is approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles), and its drainage basin area is about 282 square kilometers (109 square miles). The river flows through a predominantly forested and swampy area. The Yashchera is characterized by its winding course and relatively slow current. The river freezes over in late November or early December and remains frozen until April.

The name "Yashchera" is believed to be derived from a Finnic word meaning "lizard," reflecting the prevalence of reptiles in the area. Historically, the area around the Yashchera was sparsely populated, with small villages and agricultural settlements along its banks. Today, the river is primarily used for recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking. The area around the river is also popular for hiking and camping. Environmental concerns include water quality degradation due to agricultural runoff and pollution from nearby settlements.