You might want to consider purchasing a cheap inflatable boat RB. You could get a 12V air compressor to fill it up and toss in a paddle and you'd be good to explore ponds. You could put together an exploration kit, a rope with a weight to give you an idea of pond depth, a section of pvc pipe to give you an idea of pond sediment, etc, etc.
Water on the road is not great, especially if it is the only access road but that could be fixed.
