Discovery Channel - Greensburg: A Story of Community Rebuilding (2008)

×

Discovery Channel - Greensburg: A Story of Community Rebuilding (2008)

Close

In May 2007, Greensburg, Kansas was leveled by one of the largest tornados in U.S. history. Very few structures remained in the aftermath of the deadly EF5 tornado, and the town lost everything.
In an extraordinary 13-part series co-produced by acclaimed actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio and award-winning producer Craig Piligian, viewers will meet the people of this amazing town, seeing the daily struggle of a community as it fights its way back from the edge of extinction and learning how the lives and livelihood of Greensburg's citizens will be changed by this massive reconstruction effort.
Greensburg's story is both poignant and universal. The imagination and innovation demonstrated in Greensburg inspires and enlightens audiences, showing that when individuals, companies and communities respect and harness nature, the results are a dramatic improvement in our social, economic and environmental living conditions.
The rebuilding of Greensburg presents a historic opportunity. One rural town on the plains of Kansas vividly demonstrates that sustainable, eco-friendly building is an imperative path to the future.

Part 1: The Tornado
On May 4, 2007, the small town of Greensburg, Kansas, was annihilated by an F5 tornado. With a clean slate the town decides to rebuild the entire community energy efficient and as green as possible. But not everyone is sold on the idea.

Part 2: Homecoming
Four months after a tornado wiped out the town of Greensburg, the 1400 residents have no homes to come back to, only FEMA trailers. The residents try to get their home town spirit back with a homecoming parade and football game.

Part 3: The Building Begins
The rebuilding of Greensburg is slow going. With little money and scarce materials the town struggles to not only come back but build back greener and stronger.

Part 4: Ice Storm
It's Christmas in Greensburg and an ice storm has swept over the town, stopping rebuilding and giving the residents one more problem to overcome. Communication is as frozen as the trees on Main Street and people don't feel connected to what's happening.

Part 5: State of the Union
Greensburg is on the map and City Manager Steve Hewitt gets a surprise invitation from the White House. The townspeople are touched by corporate sponsors who help bring the town back to life by generous donations from John Deere and General Motors.

Part 6: Mini Greenbuild
Greensburg City Manager Steve Hewitt, feels the pressure to find funds to build green. Without the support of more outside players Greensburg will never reach their goal of sustainable building. With the eyes of the nation on this town, can they deliver?

Part 7: The Primary
Elections are coming up in Greensburg and the green movement may be in jeopardy. The town gets a new water tower. Studio 804 threatens to abandon Greensburg.

Part 8: Hoop Dreams
The primary results point to a change in direction for Greensburg. The school basketball team tries to make it to the State Championship. Steve Hewitt worries about the future of the green initiatives.

Part 9: On the Road
Students from Studio 804 struggle to transport the arts center 270 miles to Greensburg during a huge rain storm. Steve Hewitt explores alternative energy ideas and the residents continue the slow process of rebuilding.

Part 10: Election
Bob Dixson and John Janssen square off for mayor in the first election since the tornado. The kids of Greensburg attend the Prom. Studio 804 shoots for LEED Platinum.

Part 11: The Anniversary
One year after the tornado Greensburg celebrates their tragedy to triumph with a visit from President Bush. A legendary Rock and Roll band plays a benefit concert and a surprise celebrity donates enough money to fill the business incubator's funding gap.

Part 12: Storm Watch
High School Juniors Taylor Schmidt and Shane Engleken run for class President. Studio 804 leaves town. And, a tornado threatens Greensburg once again.

Part 13: Back on the Map
The town has a lot to celebrate when a once-in-a lifetime national award puts Greensburg back on the map. The last days of summer see the opening of a pool and a blow-out 4th of July party as Greensburg looks towards the future.

×

Discovery Channel - Greensburg: A Story of Community Rebuilding (2008)

Close

×

Discovery Channel - Greensburg: A Story of Community Rebuilding (2008)

Close

×

Discovery Channel - Greensburg: A Story of Community Rebuilding (2008)

Close

×

Discovery Channel - Greensburg: A Story of Community Rebuilding (2008)

Close

×

Discovery Channel - Greensburg: A Story of Community Rebuilding (2008)

Close